Signs and symptoms of referred pain to the elbow

Patients with elbow pain that is referred from another source may or may not experience symptoms from the originating source. Patients typically experience a dull ache in the elbow that is poorly localized and may vary in severity or location. They may also experience pain or stiffness in other locations in the body such as the neck, upper back, shoulder, arm or forearm. Occasionally pain may also be felt in the wrist or hand. These symptoms are usually experienced on the same side of the body as the elbow pain, although sometimes, the opposite side or both sides may be affected. Occasionally patients may also experience pins and needles or numbness in the affected arm. This most commonly affects the hand and can sometimes affect the other arm or both arms.

Patients with referred pain to the elbow normally experience restricted movement and abnormalities on assessment (such as tenderness on palpation) in the specific region of the body causing the pain. Local assessment of the elbow may demonstrate no significant abnormalities although patients may experience tenderness on firmly touching the elbow region. In long standing cases of elbow pain that is referred form another source, patients may develop muscle tightness in the muscles of the elbow.

Diagnosis of referred pain to the elbow

A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist is usually sufficient to diagnose pain that is referred to the elbow and the underlying cause of symptoms. Further investigations such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans are often required to assist with diagnosis.

Treatment for referred pain to the elbow

Treatment for patients with elbow pain that is referred from another source varies greatly depending on the cause. Accurate diagnosis from a physiotherapist or doctor is therefore required to determine the most appropriate treatment. Treatment of the underlying cause of symptoms should result in improvement in the elbow pain.